Melchizedek in the Bible is a mysterious and significant figure who appears in Genesis 14:18–20 as the king of Salem (likely ancient Jerusalem) and priest of El Elyon, meaning "God Most High." He meets Abraham after Abraham's victory over a coalition of kings, bringing out bread and wine, blessing Abraham, and receiving a tithe from him, which indicates Melchizedek's superior spiritual authority
. His name means "king of righteousness," and Salem means "peace," linking him symbolically to righteousness and peace, qualities later associated with the Messiah
. Melchizedek's dual role as both king and priest is unique in the biblical narrative and sets a precedent for the priesthood that is eternal and superior to the Levitical priesthood established later in Israel
. The New Testament, especially the Book of Hebrews (chapters 5-7), elaborates on Melchizedek's significance by describing him as "without father or mother, without genealogy, without beginning of days or end of life," and "made like the Son of God," suggesting an eternal priesthood that prefigures Jesus Christ's own priesthood
. This has led to interpretations that Melchizedek may represent a pre- incarnate appearance of Christ (a Christophany), or at least serves as a type or foreshadowing of Christ's eternal priesthood
. In summary, Melchizedek was a king and priest who blessed Abraham and symbolized an eternal priesthood that points to Jesus Christ, making him a key theological figure linking the Old and New Testaments
